The Omoda 9 Has a 93-Mile Electric Range That Beats Every PHEV on Sale, and Reviewers Still Aren't Fully Sold
All reviews agree on one genuinely remarkable fact: at 93 miles, this plug-in hybrid's electric-only range beats every rival on sale, including PHEV versions of the Range Rover Sport. Whether that headline number is enough to overcome a distinctly average driving experience is where opinions start to diverge.
One Genuine Superlative, Several Real Compromises
Chasing a single headline spec can be a distraction from getting the fundamentals right. Reviewers keep confirming the electric range genuinely is class-leading here, while being equally consistent that the driving experience underneath doesn't match that same ambition.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Large family SUV |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | 1.5L turbo petrol + twin electric motors, all-wheel drive (single UK spec) |
| Combined power | 443-449bhp (sources vary slightly) |
| Electric range | 93 miles official (34.46kWh battery) — longest of any PHEV on sale |
| 0–62mph | 4.9 seconds |
| Boot space | 660 litres (1,783 litres seats folded) |
Full Review Summary
Top Gear
Top Gear rated the 9 as "a steady effort" let down by a dynamically unappealing drive and fussy low-speed ride, arguing that Omoda's genuine problem isn't what the car can or can't do, but what the brand currently represents to UK buyers used to shopping premium German badges. They praised the smooth handover between electric and combustion power and a muted engine even at full throttle, concluding it's a step forward from Omoda's first UK offering, even if it won't trouble the premium brands it's aimed at.
Autocar
Autocar found the suspension turns wooden and painfully jarring in Sport mode, settling into a looser, floaty character in everyday modes that still thumps over bigger bumps — a genuinely unresolved setup either way. They praised a classy-feeling cabin with a distinctly Mercedes-esque design language, soft leather and satisfying switch damping, though found the haptic steering wheel buttons frustrating due to reflections making them hard to see.
🎬 Watch: carwow's Omoda 9 review (same video, watch above ↗)
What Car?
What Car? rated the ride as well-judged and comparable to the class-leading Skoda Kodiaq, but found the handling falls well short of that same benchmark, with wishy-washy steering that makes the front end hard to place accurately, low front-tyre grip, and noticeable body lean even in Sport mode. They praised genuinely roomy interior space for four or five adults and a wide, flat rear floor, though rated the touchscreen as laggy and small compared with rivals.
🎬 Watch: carwow's Omoda 9 review (same video, watch above ↗)
Auto Express
Auto Express rated the 9 as a solid cruiser most at home on faster roads and motorways, praising the clever powertrain's ability to switch seamlessly between electric and petrol power. They found ergonomic niggles, including insufficient steering wheel adjustment and a driver's seat that doesn't go quite low enough, though concluded mainstream buyers prioritising space and equipment over badge prestige could do a lot worse.
🎬 Watch: carwow's Omoda 9 review (same video, watch above ↗)
Trims & Engines at a Glance
There's only one powertrain and, in effect, one trim level — the only real choice is exterior finish, including a 2026 all-black Black Noble edition.
| Derivative | Engine | Power | Transmission | Body | 0–62mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 SHS-P (single spec) / Black Noble | 1.5L turbo petrol + electric motors, AWD | 443bhp | 3-speed automatic (dedicated hybrid transmission) | SUV | 4.9s |
The 34.4kWh battery gives up to 93 miles of electric-only range — among the longest of any PHEV on sale. Black Noble adds all-black exterior and interior trim over the standard specification. Check Omoda's UK configurator for current pricing.
Strengths
- Class-leading 93-mile electric range, beating every rival PHEV
- Genuinely huge power and rapid acceleration for the class
- Spacious, well-equipped cabin with a large boot
- Simple single-spec pricing with generous standard equipment
Weak points
- Wishy-washy steering and modest front-end grip
- Suspension turns jarring in Sport mode, floaty in everyday settings
- Fiddly, laggy touchscreen and reflective haptic steering wheel buttons
- Still building genuine brand trust against established rivals
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who want genuine plug-in hybrid range and space for the money, and don't prioritise engaging handling or badge prestige. Worth cross-shopping directly against the Skoda Kodiaq, which every review rates as better resolved to drive, if dynamics matter more to you than outright electric range.
More Omoda Reviews
Watch the Reviews
Omoda 9 review ↗ (same video, watch above ↗)